On Feb. 9, Iraschko-Stolz said reaction to the new law - which has been a hot-button topic worldwide - had been exaggerated, and that "everything is being blown up bigger than it is," according to the Associated Press.

"I had a very good welcome like every other athlete," said Iraschko-Stolz, who married her partner last year, adding she wanted to focus solely on sports, and on her event in particular.

But after Tuesday's event, Iraschko-Stolz said the gathered media had not completely grasped her statement.

"The question was, 'Would I make a protest?'" Iraschko-Stolz said. "And I said, 'Nobody cares if I make a protest or if I don't jump here, because I'm not the most important person in the world. Nobody cares if I jump.' This was my statement."

A strong blowback to her comments on Feb. 9 left Iraschko-Stolz feeling "shocked," she said.

"I would never say that. I fight a lot in my life, for my sport and for my love."

Rather than make her sexuality a secondary topic, Iraschko-Stolz said Tuesday she hopes her successful event can help add a positive note to a contentious conversation.

"When you are in the media, many people maybe knew my name and also knew that I am married with a woman," she said. "And now the Olympic Games are here in Russia and they will end here in Russia.

"I hope for the future that the people now can see the sport as a chance to change something. That would be nice. Because everyone looks at Russia and its laws, and I think it's a good idea to change something."

You will automatically receive the TheDailyJournal.com Top 5 daily email newsletter. If you don't want to receive this newsletter, you can change your newsletter selections in your account preferences.